Dita Von Teese Talks Her Stripper Days, Beauty Tips, and Miami's Sluttiness

Scott Nathan Photography

​The '50s had Marilyn Monroe. A few women since have come close to epitomizing her glamor, but none really truly reached her status. Then, came Dita Von Teese.

For those of you who don't know who she is, maybe you are like our mother who asked, "Wait, that girl who was married to Marilyn Manson?"  But you also might know she takes her clothes off for a living as a world famous burlesque dancer. But don't call her a stripper. Well, if you do, she actually doesn't mind.

Hours before her "My Cointreau Travel Essentials" party at the Mondrian South Beach for the spirit's US launch of her new to-go mini bar, we got the chance to sit down with Von Teese. And in what seemed like five minutes, we talked marriage, Miami, and being the burlesque maven she is today.

New Times: You are as chic as I thought you would be. I wore my highest heel today just for you.
Dita Von Teese: Thank you. I love your nude pumps. But these are just my clothes. People always ask me, "what's the occasion?" I don't think there needs to be one. You always feel better dressed up.

Where do you shop? I figured most of your stuff was couture.
I have my favorite vintage shops and my favorite designers. I wear a lot of Moschino, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Elie Saab. I have come to realize it's about investment pieces. I like to buy one really great dress other than five I might wear for a couple of years.  

There are paparazzi pictures of you and you look fierce leaving the grocery store.
I try to have my simply day-to-day beauty routine when I am not working. A little powder, red lipstick and mascara. I love me a red lip -- it's so simple and it makes you look polished. I am also big believer in no sun, no cigarettes, and beauty sleep.

​There is a lot of great shopping here in Miami. Do you like coming to South Florida?
I really do. I am so intrigued by the people here. Like today: There were these gorgeous, blonde and fit girls in the hotel lobby. We all got in the elevator and some guys followed us in as well. The guys look over at them and ask, "Hey, want to come over to our room?" And then there they went off back to the guys' room.  Miami is such a sexy town.

You say sexy, I say slutty.
(Laughs) I wanted to choose the right wording, but yes. I was just like, "Wow. They just set up a date right then and there.... wow."

Have you ever gone out and hit the town in Miami?
I am always working when I am here. I guess I don't really know where to go. I like a glamorous lounge, but I really like to go dancing and hit up a real Miami party. Last time I was here, I went out with Fat Joe. He knows how to have a good time.